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When Kim Hall Jackson was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 45 in 2008, she didn’t stop with the first doctor’s diagnosis.

She sought a second opinion. Then a third, then a fourth.

After an initial stage 1 diagnosis, Jackson, an event planner in Philadelphia, was ultimately diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer and went through a full range of treatment, from surgery to radiation and chemotherapy. All the doctors she saw had similar thoughts on Jackson’s prognosis, but the doctor she eventually chose to lead her care was the one willing to articulate hopes for “a cure.”

Most cases of colon cancer begin with polyps: benign growths on the inner lining of the large intestine. Regular screening helps doctors find these polyps and remove them before they have a chance to become cancerous. Screening procedures — and recommendations for how to use them — are evolving all the time.

Here’s what you should know about preventing colorectal cancer or catching it early, when it’s most treatable:

Know Your Risk Factors

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include a family history of the disease, a sedentary lifestyle, an unhealthy diet, and being overweight. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce risk, and so can reducing your intake of red meat (such as beef, pork, and lamb) and processed meats (such as bacon, sausage, and hot dogs), according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

African-Americans should be aware that they are disproportionately affected by colorectal cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the nationwide incidence of colorectal cancer among African-Americans is 62.1 per 100,000 people, compared with 51.2 per 100,000 among whites. The death rate is 26.7 per 100,000 people among African-Americans and 18.9 per 100,000 among whites.

It’s not completely clear why this disparity exists, but Hannah K. Weir, PhD, senior epidemiologist with the CDC who presented a study at a conference on disparities hosted by the American Association for Cancer Research, said a host of socioeconomic factors have contributed to the gap.

“Higher socioeconomic status groups have better access to care and have fewer barriers, such as being unable to take time off work,” she said.

Look for Signs, Even if You’re Young

Doctors have noticed a worrisome trend in colorectal cancer: More people are being diagnosed with the disease at younger ages. A study by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, published in JAMA Surgery in January 2015, predicted that by 2030, incidence rates for people between ages 20 and 34 will increase by 90 percent for colon cancer and 124 percent for rectal cancer.

Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer for people of any age include a change in bowel habits, particularly if the change persists for more than a couple of weeks; blood in the stool; persistent abdominal discomfort; weakness or fatigue; or unexplained weight loss. But, as Jackson points out, the disease sometimes develops with no symptoms at all. That’s why screening is so important.

Don’t Fear the Scope

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that most people get an initial colonoscopy at age 50, and then every 10 years after that if the results are normal. People in high-risk categories — including African-Americans — may be advised to start at a younger age.

A colonoscopy takes about 30 to 60 minutes, during which time the person is sedated. For the procedure, a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube captures images of the colon, allowing the doctor to detect any abnormalities.

To ensure accurate results, the colon must be emptied first. This involves following a liquid diet and taking laxatives or an enema the day before the test. This preparation alone dissuades some people from getting colonoscopies, doctors say.

Jackson says it’s worth the discomfort.

“No one wants to do it, but you can’t let fear or apprehension hinder your chance of staying alive,” she says.

New alternatives to colonoscopy are emerging, such as a stool DNA test that looks for genetic changes that are sometimes present in colorectal cancer cells. This noninvasive option is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for people at average risk.

There are also tests that can detect blood in the stool. These are administered at home, but a positive result must be followed up by a colonoscopy.

Get a Buddy

Any cancer diagnosis knocks a person for a loop. A trusted family member or friend can provide support at doctor’s appointments, drive you to and from procedures, and help you keep track of questions you may have.

Important: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not Everyday Health. See More

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